Complete Guide to CAT exam center list 2026

The CAT 2026 exam, administered by IIM Indore, will take place on November 29, 2026, across approximately 170 test cities nationwide. During registration starting August 3, 2026, aspirants can select up to five preferred test cities, with exact venues specified on their hall tickets.

What is the Exam?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the premier national-level management entrance examination conducted annually on a rotational basis by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). For aspirants targeting elite postgraduate management programs such as the MBA, PGDM, and specialized executive courses offered across 21 premier IIMs as well as top-tier non-IIM institutions like FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, and the IIT Department of Management Studies, mastering CAT is non-negotiable.

Here at ExamBhai, we understand that selecting the right test city from the official CAT exam center list 2026 is critical to minimizing travel fatigue on exam day. Because the test is held in a computer-based format across three distinct shifts on a single day, planning your logistics early prevents last-minute panic. The exam evaluates candidates on advanced verbal communication, logical problem-solving, data synthesis, and quantitative reasoning—skills that define modern corporate leadership.

Key Highlights 2026

A thorough understanding of the structural parameters outlined in the official notification released via iimcat.ac.in helps candidates map out their preparation calendar efficiently. Below is a summary of the core exam highlights for the 2026 recruitment and admission cycle:

| Parameter | Details || |---|---| | Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) | | Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 | | Exam Level | National | | Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | | CAT 2026 Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) | | Test Duration | 120 Minutes (40 minutes per section) | | Total Test Cities | Approximately 170 cities across India | | Application Fee | INR 2,700 for General/EWS/NC-OBC; INR 1,350 for SC/ST/PwD | | Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |

Syllabus 2026

The CAT syllabus does not feature a formally prescribed limit by the organizing IIMs, but comprehensive analysis of past trends highlights three core testing pillars. Candidates must prepare rigorously across these segments to secure top percentile rankings.

Exam Pattern

The examination structure is optimized to test mental stamina, accuracy, and speed under strict time constraints. As structured in recent cycles, the paper is divided into three sequential sections. Candidates cannot switch between sections freely; each section must be completed within its designated 40-minute window.

To align your preparation with these patterns, we recommend you practice free mock tests for Management on ExamBhai to build robust section-wise time management.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the official guidelines published on iimcat.ac.in, candidates must fulfill strict academic parameters to ensure their candidature remains valid through the group discussion and personal interview phases. As verified via official institutional parameters:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories) awarded by a recognized university.
• Final Year Students: Applicants in the final year of their bachelor's degree or those awaiting professional examination results are also eligible to apply provisionally.
• Professional Degrees: Candidates possessing professional qualifications like CA, CS, or ICWA with the requisite percentage thresholds are equally eligible.
• Age Limit: There is no prescribed upper age limit for appearing in the CAT examination.

Application Process

The registration window for CAT 2026 opens on August 3, 2026, and extends until September 15, 2026. Aspirants must follow a systematic approach to complete their submissions without technical errors:

1. User Registration: Visit the official website (iimcat.ac.in) and generate unique login credentials by submitting basic personal data.
2. Form Filling: Log in using your generated ID and password to fill out academic, personal, and work experience details.
3. Test City Selection: Choose up to five preferred test cities from the comprehensive CAT exam center list 2026 in order of priority.
4. Document Upload: Upload scanned passport-sized photographs, signatures, and applicable category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD).
5. Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable registration fee via secure digital gateways.

Preparation Strategy

Cracking CAT requires a disciplined, multi-phase blueprint rather than passive reading. Early starters should dedicate the initial months to clearing fundamental conceptual blocks in Quantitative Aptitude and reading diverse editorials to master VARC comprehension. Transitioning to advanced problem sets must be paired with rigorous performance analysis.

To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-exam execution, you should access structured sectional quizzes on ExamBhai to track accuracy improvements. Furthermore, incorporating full-length simulations into your weekly routine ensures you adapt seamlessly to the 2-hour CBT environment. Consistent revision of past years' papers helps decode recurring question frameworks and difficulty variations.

Cut-Off Trends

Admission cut-offs for top-tier IIMs (such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta) typically scale high, often hovering between 99 and 100 percentile for general category candidates across quantitative and verbal profiles. Reserved categories benefit from relaxation norms governed by statutory guidelines specified on official institutional portals.

Historical trends indicate that composite scores incorporate not just the raw CAT percentile but also past academic records (Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation), work experience, and gender diversity criteria. Candidates must check individual IIM admission policies post-result declaration to gauge specific shortlisting criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my CAT exam center after the admit card is issued?

No, once the testing center and city are allotted by the exam conducting authority and printed on the admit card, requests for modifications or transfers are strictly not entertained under any circumstances.

How many test city choices can I select during CAT 2026 registration?

Candidates are allowed to select up to five preferred test cities in order of their preference from the drop-down menu available on the application portal.

Is there any sectional time limit in the CAT exam?

Yes, each of the three sections—VARC, DILR, and QA—carries a strict sectional time limit of 40 minutes, during which candidates cannot switch across sections.

What is the application fee for General category applicants?

The registration fee for General, EWS, and NC-OBC category candidates is INR 2,700, while SC, ST, and PwD candidates pay INR 1,350.

What documents must I carry to the CAT exam center?

Candidates must carry a hard copy of their CAT 2026 admit card along with a valid, original government-issued photo identity proof (such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport).

Are calculators allowed inside the CAT exam hall?

Physical calculators are not permitted, but candidates are provided with an online virtual calculator embedded within the computer-based test interface for complex calculations.